CHENNAI: In a move that has ruffled a few feathers among the medical fraternity, the Medical Council of India (MCI) has issued orders to ban strikes by doctors and has instructed the state medical council to take immediate disciplinary action against anyone going against the order. With increasing incidents of doctors going on strike demanding hikes and protection against attacks on hospitals, the order is said to be issued in an effort to ensure that patients do not suffer the consequences of such protests.
Following a writ petition filed by the People for Better Treatment in November last year, the Supreme Court took cognisance of a series of strikes called by doctors on numerous occasions which caused tremendous suffering to certain patients. It further placed the onus on MCI to ensure that doctors did not go on strikes and inconvenience patients.
A senior MCI official in the state confirmed that they have received the circular from the apex body and the matter has been taken into consideration. "Each time doctors in the city call a strike, lakhs of people suffer. There is no excuse for putting patients through such trauma. However, there are several incidents of assault on doctors and hospitals. The state should ensure that the Hospital Protection Act is implemented effectively," said the official.
Though the Supreme Court's judgment is law, The recent MCI directive would expose all striking doctors to likely punishment with disciplinary action such as suspension of their registration certificates. "Going on a strike is any person's fundamental right. Even the Supreme Court does not call for a blanket ban of strikes by doctors. How else can we doctors express our objection towards anything?" said , Dr K Senthil Kumar, president of Tamil Nadu Government Doctors Association. "Even if we are on a strike, we ensure that all emergency cases are attended to and no one gets affected. As long as proper notice is given, strikes are not illegal," he added.
Following a writ petition filed by the People for Better Treatment in November last year, the Supreme Court took cognisance of a series of strikes called by doctors on numerous occasions which caused tremendous suffering to certain patients. It further placed the onus on MCI to ensure that doctors did not go on strikes and inconvenience patients.
A senior MCI official in the state confirmed that they have received the circular from the apex body and the matter has been taken into consideration. "Each time doctors in the city call a strike, lakhs of people suffer. There is no excuse for putting patients through such trauma. However, there are several incidents of assault on doctors and hospitals. The state should ensure that the Hospital Protection Act is implemented effectively," said the official.
Though the Supreme Court's judgment is law, The recent MCI directive would expose all striking doctors to likely punishment with disciplinary action such as suspension of their registration certificates. "Going on a strike is any person's fundamental right. Even the Supreme Court does not call for a blanket ban of strikes by doctors. How else can we doctors express our objection towards anything?" said , Dr K Senthil Kumar, president of Tamil Nadu Government Doctors Association. "Even if we are on a strike, we ensure that all emergency cases are attended to and no one gets affected. As long as proper notice is given, strikes are not illegal," he added.
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